Last year, NYC’s Japan Society held its first Cosplay Party in conjunction with its KRAZY! exhibit. This year, the cosplay returns in a bigger, brighter, longer party. Like anime? In NYC on May 15? Make the short trek to Japan Society at 333 East 47th Street!

Set on Saturday, May 15, the event will include New York City's first-ever big screen presentation of the anime film Evangelion 1.11, nonstop musical entertainment by cosplay DJ Ruby Red, a photo booth, free admission to Japan Society's current exhibition "Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters", and a full-blown costume competition with prizes from Kinokuniya Bookstore, hosted by Uncle Yo, and judged by the World Cosplay Summit’s 2009 Team USA. Throughout the day, cosplayers are welcome to enjoy a variety of sweet and savory snacks with Japanese and Western drinks while relaxing in Japan Society's J-Lounge.

In addition, Japan Society's mangaka (comic book illustrator) artist-in-residence, Hiroki Otsuka serves as a guest judge for the costume competition. In the early part of the day, participants can meet and observe Otsuka as he creates an original comic book based on Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters.

Tickets are $20 in advance ($15 for members). The first 220 ticket buyers receive auditorium seating for the costume competition, after which ticket buyers can watch live on plasma screens in the foyer. Contest participants do not require a seat, but pre-sale is recommended for those wanting to compete. Film screening tickets will be released at 2:00 PM on the day of the event and are on a first-come, first-served basis to Cosplay Party ticket holders. All Cosplay Party ticket holders receive complementary admission to Japan Society Gallery for the exhibition Graphic Heroes Magic Monsters.

For more, including the Cosplay Party’s schedule of events and costume contest entry information, visit www.JapanSociety.org!